Born: 1911 (Wan’an County, Jiangxi Province)
Died: 1992
Biography:
Kang Keqing (K’ang K’e-ching; Chinese: 康克清; pinyin: Kāng Kèqīng; September 7, 1911 – April 22, 1992) was a prominent politician of the People’s Republic of China. Most notably, she was the wife of Zhu De, one of the founding fathers of modern China, until his death in 1976. Kang led an extraordinary life, overcoming significant challenges and playing a crucial role in the Chinese revolution and the establishment of the Communist government. She dedicated her life to championing gender equality and fighting for the rights of the female laborer.
Kang was born into a Hakka fishing family on September 7, 1911, in the township of Luotangwan in Wan’an County, Jiangxi Province. Her parents, in order to make ends meet, sold Kang and her four older sisters as brides to other families. Kang was given away at just 40 days old to a tenant farmer named Luo Qigui. Interestingly, her future husband, Zhu De, had not yet been born at that point, and the Luo family, who had eagerly anticipated a son, had a daughter instead. But they embraced Kang as their own and cared for her as a daughter. Growing up in a peasant family, Kang became the main source of labor for her adopted parents.
In 1924, when Kang was around 14 years old, a member of the Wan’an County Communist party arrived in her village as part of the Northern Expedition. This event marked a turning point in Kang’s life. The Communist member introduced revolutionary ideas and concepts of gender equality and freedom in marriage to the villagers through plays and a night school. Inspired by these ideas, Kang joined the Red Army and became an active participant in the revolution.
Kang’s commitment to the Communist cause was unwavering. She firmly believed that feudalism, imperialism, and bureaucratic capitalism were the primary enemies of the female laborer. Kang’s revolutionary spirit and determination earned her recognition within the Communist Party. She was elected permanent secretary of the Luotangwan Village Women’s Association, becoming the first local woman to cut her hair short as a symbol of breaking away from traditional gender norms.
Despite facing opposition and attempts to suppress her revolutionary ideals, Kang persisted. In 1927, during the violent conflict between the Communists and Chiang Kai-shek’s forces, nearly 200 people in Wan’an were killed. To deter Kang’s involvement in the revolution, her adoptive parents sought to arrange a marriage for her. Determined to continue her fight, Kang left home in September 1928 and joined a guerrilla band seeking refuge with the Red Army.
Kang’s determination and leadership abilities caught the attention of Agnes Smedley, an American journalist and writer who was in China at the time. Smedley wrote a biography of Zhu De and described Kang as a remarkable woman leader. Despite her pock-marked face, people acknowledged her captivating eyes and radiant smile. Kang’s passion for her convictions was evident in the way she carried herself, with a rifle always by her side and an unwavering certainty in her steps.
As the wife of Zhu De, Kang played a significant role in supporting and advising her husband in his political career. Together, they were pioneers of the Chinese revolution, working side by side to establish the Communist government and shape the country’s future. Kang’s unwavering commitment to gender equality and women’s rights paved the way for their inclusion in the new society.
Throughout her life, Kang remained dedicated to the cause of improving the lives of women in China. She fought against societal norms that oppressed women and advocated for their equal rights and opportunities. Kang was an inspiration to countless women, demonstrating that they too could actively participate in politics and strive for meaningful change.
Kang Keqing passed away on April 22, 1992, leaving behind a powerful legacy of strength, resilience, and dedication to the principles of the Communist revolution. Her contributions as a political leader and advocate for gender equality continue to be celebrated and remembered.
Awards:
– Kang Keqing received numerous accolades for her contributions to the Communist revolution and her advocacy for gender equality in China. While specific awards and recognitions are not readily available, her impact and influence on society are widely acknowledged and celebrated.